I received a copy from Netgalley.
I’m a black sheep with this one. All the bloggers I follow and Goodreads reviewers seem to absolutely love this book. I’ve read the author before and I have loved everything I’ve read by her, but I didn’t love this one. I did get a Netgalley kindle copy I tried reading before the book came out, but the formatting was terrible so I decided to wait until I got a physical copy.
It was book of the month in one of my Fairyloot subscription boxes so I got a nice shiny hardback. I sort of waited until the hype died down a bit, but then the sequel came out – which I did get (another Fairyloot exclusive) just in case I loved the first and had to have the second one.
And turned out I was just sort of meh about the whole thing really. It was an interesting parallel for the Beauty and the Beast retelling, but frankly, the beast character Prince Rhen irritated the hell out of me. I found him completely unsympathetic, annoying, selfish and whiny. I did however, really like the female character Harper. She was what made the book come alive for me. She was strong, sassy, level headed, and smart. Not blown over by the opulence of the fantasy world she suddenly finds herself thrust into. The other character I really liked was Rhen’s loyal guard, Grey who was much more likeable – a bit of a stick in the mud at times, but with a sense of honour and loyalty. I was routing for him and Harper to hook up – they had a love/hate relationship turned into friendship and mutual respect.
However, given it’s a Beauty and the Beast retelling, it’s obvious where the romance was going to happen. I found the plot predictable, and tedious at times, for long stretches nothing seemed to happen other than Rhen whining about his curse and Harper trying to figure out how to escape and get back to her home, the normal human world. They would dance around just forming a connection and something would happen sending them back to square one of distrust and frustration. I found it repetitive and annoying.
Two thirds of the novel was prepping for one huge battle when the beast finally appeared. And when it did it was almost like everything happened in a rush. Which of course ended on a cliff hanger. There were a few twists hinted at throughout (and again, completely predictable) If I hadn’t already bought the second book before I read this one I wouldn’t have bothered, but as I have and quite liked Grey’s character, I’m curious to see where his story goes.
Thank you to Netgalley and Bloomsbury Publishing PLC for approving my request to view the title.
I heard about this book because the author was part of a panel about the arts in Montreal on a BBC Arts and Culture show. The book traces the lives of two orphans in the Montreal of the turn of the century and depression.
O’Neill’s two central characters are Rose and Pierrot, both of who’s birth is less than wanted By rights, both should have died. By tracing their lives, O’Neill looks at how gender can affect the outcome of life. At first, it seems that Pierrot is going to have the easier life but, well things change.
O’Neill’s novel is blunt, very blunt, when it comes to describing sex, and the blunt non-romantic passages contrast with the almost fairy tale quality of the novel. O’Neill transforms Montreal of the 1900s-1930s to an almost magical place with the description. There are some beautiful passages –like the Montreal rat worrying about New York rats.
It is O’Neill’s use of language and humor that carries the book. The magic that Rose and Pierrot install in their audience is what O’Neill does to the reader. The book makes the real world feel fake. It is like reading a slight less gothic Angela Carter book. The language draws the reader into the story and keeps the reader imprisoned. And it isn’t a bad imprisonment.
The book is something like a fairy tale and something like a fable. There is magic but it is the magic of life.
Having little knowledge of Beauty and the Beast, I really didn't know what to expect.
I love this story though!!
Rhen, oh my gosh, I'm so glad that Harper figured everything out that she needed to. They are going to be an amazing couple.
I did think Harper had some sparks with Grey too though, and a small part of me is sad they didn't hook up instead.
I got sucked into this world of Emberfall just like Harper did, and now I pine for the next book in the series.
Fantasy fans, get this now!!!
10 books read to date.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek and fly back by Helicopter Tour or ABC Helicopter Trek is alternative trekking of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. All trekkers might not have 2 weeks' time for the trekking so, these trekking packages significantly reduced the trekking time period. Peregrine Treks and Tours make a customized itinerary as per the trekker’s requirements. Also, we do not charge a single supplement charge with clients even there is only one person on the trek. Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Trek is the popular trekking tour package amount the trekkers.
Highlights of Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Trekking Tour
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is popular trekking in the world and thrilling helicopter rides make this trekking more adventurous. The trekkers can see the mountain views as well as the ethnic group settlement from the landscape view via trek and bird's eye view from trekking. The Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter trekking tour offers you the awe-inspiring views of colossal peaks from different sight that you have never explored. Possibly the most naturally gorgeous and floral rich area of Nepal –Annapurna Region is blessed with coruscating of the Himalayas of Annapurna Range enhanced marvelously with the region’s astonishing landscapes.
We will start this Annapurna Base Camp Trekking tour from Kathmandu by bus or scenic flight to Pokhara. During this trek, we cross the eye-catching lush and green forest of the Rhododendron, pine oaks, and legendry Gurung villages. Poon Hill – famous vantage point for exciting sunrise and sunset is another attraction of this trek. You can see the Annapurna massif panoramic view, mount Dhaulagiri, Mount Manaslu, and many small peaks.
Get pleasure from the natural charisma of distant gigantic mountain peaks making a manifestation while trekking on the trail to ABC and be the very center of the relaxing environment filled with charming sights and paradise-like magnificence. During this trek to Annapurna Base Camp, we will enjoy the city of paradise Pokhara. The Pokhara city is situated in the lap of the Phewa Lake and from here we can see the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Himalayan range and Peace Stupa.
During this trek, we can do sightseeing in Pokhara and Kathmandu. In Pokhara, we will visit Gupteshwor Cave, Davi’s fall, boating in Phewa Lake, suspension bridge, International mountain museum and many more. Similarly, in Kathmandu, we will sightsee in Pashupatinath temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath Stupa, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, and other destinations.
Annapurna base camp helicopter tour flight from Pokhara
If you are unable for the trek because of any reason, you can take a direct helicopter flight from Pokhara. This is a 1-hour tour (15 minutes to go there, 15 minutes to return back and half an hour free time at Annapurna Base Camp.
Annapurna Helicopter tour cost
The Annapurna Helicopter Tour cost is based on the traveler’s requirement. It would be better to take the full Package with us. Please write an email at info@peregrinetreks.com for the detailed Annapurna Helicopter Tour Cost.
Helicopter ride in Pokhara price
Helicopter ride in Pokhara price starts from USD 350 per person. This includes land transfers to Pokhara airport from your Pokhara hotel and a one-hour helicopter ride. We will provide a group discount too for this tour. It would be better if you email us at info@peregrinetreks.com
Annapurna base camp trek 5 days
From Pokhara, you can complete Annapurna Base Camp trek 5 days by using the helicopter to return back. We will provide a customized itinerary for this Annapurna Base Camp trek 5 days trekking tour.
Annapurna base camp helicopter tour cost
Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour cost depends on the number of the participants on the group, service level like accommodation standard, meal plan, trekking support staff. Please write an email at info@peregrinetreks.com for the Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter tour cost.
Annapurna base camp helicopter tour from Kathmandu
Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter tour from Kathmandu will be slightly costly because of the helicopter from Kathmandu. It would be better to take a regular flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara and a helicopter ride to ABC and fly back to Kathmandu from Pokhara on the regular flight.
Annapurna base camp helicopter landing tour
Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter landing tour is a helicopter tour from Pokhara to the base camp of Annapurna. This is a private tour and needs at least 4 people at one group and cost is USD 1300 per flight from Pokhara and USD 4500 per flight from Kathmandu.